The line was long over at the Pope County Courthouse on Monday morning.

Folks were taking advantage of early voting, and, by noon, County Clerk Don Johnson said that nearly 200 had cast their ballot.

Democracy in action.

It's usually prettier at a polling place than in a legislative chamber. Usually, because we all remember the mess that was Election 2000/Florida Style. We hope for no repeat of that fiasco, but we're not going to hold our breath.

There is more at stake in this election than there was four years ago, and most polls show a dead heat for president. Partisans studied Florida well, and we're somewhat afraid that they may have learned a number of lessons that they'll want to employ between now and Election Day.

Election tactics aside, the fact remains that many more Americans will participate in the system this year. Pope County officials expect about two out of every three registered voters to cast a ballot. (In Yell County, that figure jumps to four out of three.)

This year's ballot isn't as full as ones we've seen previously, but the races are no less important, up and down the tally sheet. From a president to a senator to a city councilman to proposed amendments, voters have many people and issues to mull over.

By the looks of the early voting line, a lot of them are doing just that.